Whether people find themselves embroiled in controversy or enjoying the blessing of unity, identifiable principles are always at work. Why? Because discord and solidarity are the fruits of value-based issues that function according to predictable processes.
Conflicts exist because different people cling to different values. Whenever a clash of conflict explodes, each person is convinced that his idea is right, or there is concern about one’s hurt or pride. These are all values related. Unfortunately, when people being to focus on an issue, its value can begin to grow out of proportion until it threatens to overshadow the entire horizon of their lives. Accordingly, the more important the issue is to a person, the greater the intensity of the conflict.
When unity thrives, people share a common ground more important to them than other issues or values that might divide them. Additionally, the more important a shared value is, the deeper the bond of unity. Unity and conflict are fruits of what is valued.
Paul called the Philippian church to the unity of “standing firm in one spirit” (Philippians 1:27), “united in spirit, intent on one purpose” (Philippians 2:2). Any group of people normally exhibit a wide diversity of opinion regarding how things should be done. How can harmony and unity be molded out of a diverse group of people? What should be so powerful and valuable for Christians that it overshadows the squabbles and differing opinions and cements the bond of unshakeable unity?
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul pointed God’s people toward the goal of “striving together for the faith of the gospel.” Striving for the faith of the gospel should be more important to God’s people than whether their preferred color scheme is chosen, whether the congregation sits on chairs or pews, or whether services begin at 9 or 10 a.m. Although some people have strong preferences in these matters, what matters most is the furtherance of the gospel.
Paul tied this unity to the mind of Christ. Unlike that attitude which thinks foremost about its own desires, the mind of Christ is characterized by love for others.
The recipe for Christian unity is to pour the mind of Christ over the goal of working together for the the faith of the gospel. True loves revolves around seeking to supply needs for the well-being of others. Having the mind of Christ undermines self-centered ambitions. Striving for the faith of the gospel should shape the church and be paramount to the lives of Christians.
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